April 18 & 19 – Viva La Local Food Fest Teams Up With Cyclovia Tucson

Banner University Medical Center is proud to present “Tucson Tandem,” a weekend of fun with Viva La Local Food Festival and Cyclovia Tucson! Celebrating joyous local food and five miles of car-free city streets. On Saturday, April 18th, Heirloom Farmers Markets will present Viva La Local Food Festival from 9am-5pm at Rillito Park. And, on Sunday, April 19th, Living Streets Alliance presents Cyclovia Tucson from 10am-3pm, connecting Downtown Tucson to South Tucson.

These two events are working in tandem – Tucson Tandem, that is – to promote community, health and wellness, active living and sustainability. The weekend kicks off with the Viva La Local Food Festival.

Celebrating the joyous local flavors of Baja Arizona, Viva La Local showcases more than 25 of Tucson’s top restaurants, 80+ farmers market vendors, local beer and wine, and live, local music on the East Field at Rillito Park. Admission is $6, and kids under age 12 enter free. Festival goers can shop Baja Arizona’s finest farmers market and conveniently store their fresh purchases at the complimentary Veggie Valet before exploring the mecca of restaurants. With all plates, wines, and beers priced at $5 each, the event encourages attendees to sample and share a wide variety of culinary offerings while enjoying a festive atmosphere complete with live music under the clear Tucson skies. If you choose to ride your bike to the festival, conveniently located off The Loop, Living Streets Alliance will have complimentary, full-service bike valet sponsored by New Belgium Brewing.

Then, on Sunday, April 19th, Living Streets Alliance presents the 6th annual Cyclovia Tucson. The popular biannual “open streets” event gives people from the greater Tucson region the chance to enjoy great weather, see neighbors, friends and people from throughout the area, and get a little exercise – all on city streets that are closed to car traffic and open to walkers, joggers, cyclists, skaters and all other forms of people powered movement. Cyclovia isn’t a race, parade, or competition. Instead, it’s a chance to enjoy Tucson from a new perspective (outside of the car). Walk your dog, roller skate, blow bubbles. Have fun because, during Cyclovia, the streets are yours!

Coming in the fall, save the date for another great Tucson Tandem weekend – October 31st and November 1st, when Viva La Local Fall and Cyclovia Tucson pair up once again for another fun-filled, family-friendly weekend.

For more information on Viva La Local Food Festival, visit www.vivalalocalfoodfest.com

For more information on Cyclovia Tucson, visit www.cycloviatucson.org